Bible Commentaries
Numbers 18

Introduction

Overview

Numbers 18:1, The charge of the priests and Levites; Numbers 18:8, The priests’ portion; Numbers 18:21, The Levites’ portion; Numbers 18:25, The heave offering to the priests out of the Levites’ portion.

Verse 1

Thou: Numbers 17:3, Numbers 17:7, Numbers 17:13, Hebrews 4:15

shall bear: To counterbalance the high honour conferred on Aaron and his family, and to allay the fears and abate the envy of the people, it is here declared, that the priest must bear the blame of everything which was not properly conducted in the sanctuary. Numbers 18:22, Numbers 14:34, Exodus 28:38, Leviticus 22:9, Isaiah 53:6, Isaiah 53:11, Ezekiel 3:18, Ezekiel 3:19, Acts 20:26, Acts 20:27, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 2:24

Reciprocal: Leviticus 10:17 - to bear Numbers 3:38 - keeping Numbers 31:30 - keep the Deuteronomy 10:8 - time the Lord 1 Samuel 2:28 - And did I 1 Chronicles 6:48 - brethren 1 Chronicles 15:2 - to minister 1 Chronicles 16:4 - minister 1 Chronicles 23:13 - separated 2 Chronicles 13:10 - the priests Ezekiel 4:4 - thou shalt bear Ezekiel 18:20 - bear John 1:29 - taketh Hebrews 5:1 - for men Hebrews 5:4 - General Hebrews 9:28 - to bear

Verse 2

joined unto thee: There is a fine paronomasia in the original. Levi is desired from lawah, to join, couple, associate; hence Moses says, the Levites yillawoo, "shall be joined," or associated, with the priests: they shall conjointly perform the sacred office, but the priests shall be principal, the Levites their associates or assistants. Numbers 18:4, Genesis 29:34

minister: Numbers 3:6-9, Numbers 8:19, Numbers 8:22

but thou: Numbers 3:10-13, Numbers 4:15, Numbers 16:40, Numbers 17:7, 1 Chronicles 16:39, 1 Chronicles 16:40, 2 Chronicles 30:16, Ezekiel 44:15

Reciprocal: Exodus 38:21 - tabernacle of testimony Numbers 16:9 - separated 2 Chronicles 24:6 - tabernacle 2 Chronicles 29:11 - the Lord Nehemiah 10:35 - General Acts 7:44 - the tabernacle

Verse 3

only they: Numbers 3:25, Numbers 3:31, Numbers 3:36, Numbers 4:19, Numbers 4:20, Numbers 16:40

neither: Numbers 4:15

Reciprocal: Numbers 1:53 - shall pitch Numbers 3:10 - and the stranger 1 Chronicles 23:13 - sanctify 2 Chronicles 29:34 - their brethren 2 Chronicles 35:11 - the priests Ezekiel 44:8 - ye have not Ezekiel 44:13 - they shall not

Verse 4

a stranger: Numbers 1:51, Numbers 3:10, 1 Samuel 6:19, 2 Samuel 6:6, 2 Samuel 6:7

Reciprocal: Exodus 29:33 - a stranger Numbers 8:26 - to keep Numbers 16:40 - that no Numbers 17:13 - Whosoever Numbers 18:2 - joined unto thee Numbers 18:7 - the stranger 2 Kings 16:12 - offered thereon Isaiah 56:3 - the son Ezekiel 44:14 - General

Verse 5

And ye: Numbers 8:2, Exodus 27:21, Exodus 30:7-10, Leviticus 24:3, 1 Chronicles 9:19, 1 Chronicles 9:23, 1 Chronicles 9:33, 1 Chronicles 24:5, 1 Timothy 1:18, 1 Timothy 3:15, 1 Timothy 5:21, 1 Timothy 6:20

no wrath: Numbers 8:19, Numbers 16:46, Jeremiah 23:15, Zechariah 10:3

Reciprocal: Numbers 1:53 - there be Numbers 4:18 - General Numbers 18:7 - Therefore thou 2 Chronicles 35:2 - charges Ezekiel 40:45 - the keepers Ezekiel 40:46 - the keepers Ezekiel 43:19 - which approach Colossians 4:17 - Take Hebrews 8:4 - he should

Verse 6

And I: Genesis 6:17, Genesis 9:9, Exodus 14:17, Exodus 31:6, Isaiah 48:15, Isaiah 51:12, Ezekiel 34:11, Ezekiel 34:20

I have: Numbers 3:12, Numbers 3:45

given: Numbers 3:9, Numbers 8:16-19

Reciprocal: Numbers 8:13 - offer them Numbers 8:14 - and the Levites Numbers 18:21 - even the service 2 Chronicles 29:34 - their brethren Ezra 8:17 - ministers Ezekiel 44:11 - and they

Verse 7

Therefore thou: Numbers 18:5, Numbers 3:10

within: Leviticus 16:2, Leviticus 16:12-14, Hebrews 9:3-6

as a service: Numbers 16:5-7, 1 Samuel 2:28, John 3:27, Romans 15:15, Romans 15:16, Ephesians 3:8, Hebrews 5:4

the stranger: Numbers 18:4, Numbers 3:38, Numbers 16:40

Reciprocal: Exodus 28:1 - among Exodus 29:9 - the priest's Exodus 29:33 - a stranger Leviticus 7:35 - he presented Numbers 3:9 - General Numbers 17:3 - General Numbers 18:22 - come nigh 1 Chronicles 24:2 - Eleazar 2 Chronicles 26:18 - not unto thee 2 Chronicles 29:11 - burn incense 2 Chronicles 29:34 - their brethren 2 Chronicles 35:11 - the priests Ezra 2:62 - therefore Psalms 115:10 - General Isaiah 56:3 - the son Ezekiel 42:13 - approach Ezekiel 44:16 - keep Luke 1:8 - he Hebrews 7:5 - who

Verse 8

the charge: Numbers 18:9, Leviticus 6:16, Leviticus 6:18, Leviticus 6:20, Leviticus 6:26, Leviticus 7:6, Leviticus 7:32-34, Leviticus 10:14, Leviticus 10:15, Deuteronomy 12:6, Deuteronomy 12:11, Deuteronomy 26:13

by reason: Exodus 29:21, Exodus 29:29, Exodus 40:13, Exodus 40:15, Leviticus 7:35, Leviticus 8:30, Leviticus 21:10, Isaiah 10:27, Hebrews 1:9, 1 John 2:20, 1 John 2:27

Reciprocal: Exodus 12:14 - by an ordinance Leviticus 7:14 - the priest's Leviticus 23:20 - holy to Numbers 5:9 - offering Numbers 15:15 - an ordinance Numbers 18:11 - the heave Numbers 18:19 - the heave Numbers 31:41 - Eleazar Deuteronomy 18:1 - they shall Deuteronomy 33:11 - his substance 1 Samuel 2:28 - did I give 2 Kings 12:16 - trespass money 2 Chronicles 31:4 - the portion Ezekiel 44:16 - keep Malachi 2:5 - covenant 1 Corinthians 9:13 - they

Verse 9

every meat: Leviticus 2:2, Leviticus 2:3, Leviticus 10:12, Leviticus 10:13

every sin: Leviticus 4:22, Leviticus 4:27, Leviticus 6:25, Leviticus 6:26, Leviticus 10:17

every trespass: Leviticus 5:1, Leviticus 5:6, Leviticus 7:1, Leviticus 7:7, Leviticus 10:12, Leviticus 14:13

Reciprocal: Leviticus 5:15 - in the Leviticus 6:16 - shall it Leviticus 6:17 - I have Leviticus 7:6 - male Leviticus 7:9 - the meat Leviticus 21:22 - both Leviticus 22:4 - holy things Numbers 5:9 - offering Numbers 18:8 - the charge Deuteronomy 18:1 - they shall 2 Kings 12:16 - trespass money Ezra 2:63 - should not Nehemiah 10:36 - unto Ezekiel 42:13 - they be holy Ezekiel 44:29 - eat

Verse 10

In the: Exodus 29:31, Exodus 29:32, Leviticus 6:16, Leviticus 6:26, Leviticus 6:29, Leviticus 7:6, Leviticus 10:13, Leviticus 10:17, Leviticus 14:13

every male: Leviticus 6:18, Leviticus 6:29, Leviticus 7:6, Leviticus 21:22

Reciprocal: Leviticus 6:17 - I have Leviticus 10:12 - Take Ezekiel 42:13 - the most holy

Verse 11

the heave: Numbers 18:8, Exodus 29:27, Exodus 29:28, Leviticus 7:14, Leviticus 7:30-34

unto thee: Leviticus 10:14, Deuteronomy 18:3

every one: Leviticus 22:2, Leviticus 22:3, Leviticus 22:11-13

Reciprocal: Leviticus 22:7 - General Leviticus 22:13 - as in her Numbers 18:13 - every one Numbers 18:19 - the heave Deuteronomy 26:10 - And thou

Verse 12

best of the oil: Heb. fat, Numbers 18:29

the firstfruits: Numbers 15:19-21, Exodus 22:29, Exodus 23:19, Exodus 34:26, Leviticus 2:14, Leviticus 23:17, Leviticus 23:20, Deuteronomy 18:4, Deuteronomy 26:2, Nehemiah 10:35-37

Reciprocal: Genesis 4:3 - the fruit Genesis 4:4 - the firstlings Genesis 45:18 - the fat Leviticus 19:24 - all the Numbers 15:20 - a cake 2 Chronicles 31:5 - came abroad Nehemiah 10:37 - the firstfruits Jeremiah 2:3 - the firstfruits Ezekiel 44:30 - all the firstfruits

Verse 13

whatsoever: Exodus 22:29, Jeremiah 24:2, Hosea 9:10, Micah 7:1

every one: Numbers 18:11

Reciprocal: Exodus 23:19 - first of the Leviticus 19:24 - all the Deuteronomy 26:2 - That thou shalt Nehemiah 10:37 - the firstfruits

Verse 14

Leviticus 27:28, Ezekiel 44:29, *marg.

Reciprocal: Leviticus 27:6 - from Leviticus 27:14 - sanctify Leviticus 27:21 - priest's

Verse 15

openeth: Numbers 3:13, Exodus 13:2, Exodus 13:12, Exodus 22:29, Exodus 34:20, Leviticus 27:26

the firstborn: Exodus 13:13, Exodus 34:20, Leviticus 27:27

Reciprocal: Exodus 34:19 - openeth Numbers 3:15 - General Numbers 3:41 - General Numbers 3:46 - redeemed Deuteronomy 12:6 - tithes Deuteronomy 15:19 - thou shalt do Nehemiah 10:36 - the firstborn Luke 2:23 - Every

Verse 16

shalt thou redeem: Redemption of the firstborn is one of the rites which are still practised among the Jews. According to Leo of Modena, it is performed in the following manner: - When the child is thirty days old, the father sends for one of the descendants of Aaron: several persons being assembled on the occasion, the father brings a cup, containing several pieces of gold and silver coin. The priest then takes the child into his arms, and addressing himself to the mother, he says, "Is this thy son?" Mother. "Yes." Priest. "Hast thou never had another child, male or female, a miscarriage, or untimely birth?" Mother. "No." Priest. "This being the case, this child, as firstborn, belongs to me." Then turning to the father, he says, "If it be thy desire to have this child, thou must redeem it." Father. "I present thee with this gold and silver for this purpose." Priest. "Thou dost wish, therefore, to redeem this child?" Father. "I do wish so to do." The priest then turning himself to the assembly, says, "Very well: this child, as first-born, is mine; as it is written in Bemidbar - Numbers 18:16,Thou shalt redeem the first-born of a month old for five shekels; but I shall content myself with this in exchange." He then takes two gold crowns, or thereabouts, and returns the child to his parents.

according: Numbers 3:47, Leviticus 27:2-7

which is: Exodus 30:13, Leviticus 27:25, Ezekiel 45:12

Reciprocal: Exodus 13:13 - shalt thou Exodus 38:24 - the shekel Leviticus 27:3 - And thy estimation Numbers 3:15 - General Nehemiah 10:36 - the firstborn

Verse 17

the firstling: Deuteronomy 15:19-22

thou shalt: Exodus 29:16, Leviticus 3:2-5

Reciprocal: Genesis 4:4 - the firstlings Exodus 29:13 - burn them Leviticus 1:5 - sprinkle Leviticus 17:6 - burn Leviticus 27:26 - which

Verse 18

Exodus 29:26-28, Leviticus 7:31-34

Reciprocal: Exodus 29:22 - right shoulder Exodus 29:27 - the breast Leviticus 7:32 - General Leviticus 7:34 - the wave Numbers 6:20 - with the wave

Verse 19

the heave: Numbers 18:8, Numbers 18:11, Numbers 15:19-21, Numbers 31:29, Numbers 31:41, Leviticus 7:14, Deuteronomy 12:6, 2 Chronicles 31:4

it is a: Leviticus 2:13, 2 Chronicles 13:5

Reciprocal: Exodus 29:27 - the breast Leviticus 7:32 - General Leviticus 7:34 - the wave Leviticus 21:22 - and of the holy Leviticus 22:4 - holy things Numbers 5:9 - offering Numbers 18:26 - then ye shall Deuteronomy 12:26 - holy 1 Samuel 2:28 - did I give Ezra 2:63 - should not Ezekiel 43:24 - cast salt Ephesians 2:12 - the covenants

Verse 20

Thou shalt have: The principal part of what was offered to God was the portion of the priests; who had no inheritance of land in Israel. The Rabbins say, 24 gifts were given to the priests; all of which are expressed in the law.

Sacrificial Gifts Eaten only in the sanctuary 1. The flesh of the sin-offering Leviticus 6:25, Leviticus 6:26, 2. The flesh of the trespass-offering Leviticus 7:1, Leviticus 7:6, 3. The peace-offering of the congregation Leviticus 23:19, Leviticus 23:20, 4. The remainder of the sheaf Leviticus 23:10, 5. The remnants of the meat-offerings Leviticus 6:16, 6. The two loaves Leviticus 23:17, 7. The shew-bread Leviticus 24:9, 8. The log of oil offered by the leper Leviticus 14:10, Eaten only at Jerusalem 1. The breast and shoulder of the peace-offerings Leviticus 7:31-34, 2. The heave-offering of confession Leviticus 7:12-14, 3. The heave-offering of the Nazarite's ram Leviticus 6:17-20, 4. The firstling Leviticus 18:15, 5. The first-fruits Leviticus 18:13, Due only in the land of Israel 1. The heave-offering of first-fruits Leviticus 12:1-8, 2. Of the tithe Lev 28 3. The cake Leviticus 15:20, 4. The first of the fleece Deuteronomy 18:4, 5. The field of possession Lev 35 Due both within and without the land 1. The gifts of slain beasts Deuteronomy 18:3, 2. The redemption of the first-born Deuteronomy 18:15, 3. The lamb for a firstling ass Exodus 4:20, 4. That taken by violence from a stranger Leviticus 5:8, 5. All devoted things From the sanctuary 1. The skins, etc. Leviticus 7:8

no inheritance: Numbers 18:23, Numbers 18:24, Numbers 26:62, Deuteronomy 10:9, Deuteronomy 12:12, Deuteronomy 14:27, Deuteronomy 14:29, Joshua 14:3

I am thy part: Deuteronomy 18:1, Deuteronomy 18:2, Joshua 13:14, Joshua 13:33, Joshua 14:3, Joshua 18:7, Psalms 16:5, Psalms 73:26, Psalms 142:5, Lamentations 3:24, Ezekiel 44:28, 1 Corinthians 3:21-23, Revelation 21:3

Reciprocal: Leviticus 25:33 - for the houses Nehemiah 13:12 - brought

Verse 21

the tenth: Numbers 18:24-26, Leviticus 27:30-32, Deuteronomy 12:17-19, Deuteronomy 14:22-29, 2 Chronicles 31:5, 2 Chronicles 31:6, 2 Chronicles 31:12, Nehemiah 10:37-39, Nehemiah 12:44, Nehemiah 13:12

even the service: Numbers 18:6, Numbers 3:7, Numbers 3:8, 1 Corinthians 9:13, 1 Corinthians 9:14, Galatians 6:6

Reciprocal: Numbers 31:47 - the Levites 2 Chronicles 11:14 - their possession Nehemiah 12:47 - and they Nehemiah 13:5 - which was commanded to be given to the Malachi 3:8 - In Hebrews 7:2 - a tenth Hebrews 7:5 - who

Verse 22

come nigh: Numbers 18:7, Numbers 1:52, Numbers 3:10, Numbers 3:38

bear sin: Leviticus 20:20, Leviticus 22:9

and die: Heb. to die

Reciprocal: Exodus 28:43 - bear not iniquity Numbers 1:51 - the stranger Numbers 18:1 - shall bear Numbers 18:32 - bear Ezekiel 23:35 - therefore 1 Peter 2:24 - his own self

Verse 23

do the service: Numbers 3:7

among: Numbers 18:20

Reciprocal: Exodus 27:21 - a statute for ever Leviticus 23:21 - a statute Numbers 14:34 - shall ye bear Numbers 31:30 - keep the Deuteronomy 12:12 - General Joshua 18:7 - the Levites John 1:29 - taketh Hebrews 9:28 - to bear

Verse 24

Malachi 3:8-10

Reciprocal: Exodus 25:2 - offering Exodus 29:28 - is an heave Leviticus 7:14 - an heave Numbers 18:20 - no inheritance Numbers 18:21 - the tenth Numbers 31:30 - and give Deuteronomy 12:12 - General Deuteronomy 26:12 - the tithes Nehemiah 10:37 - and the tithes Luke 18:12 - I give

Verse 26

then ye shall: Numbers 18:19

a tenth part: Nehemiah 10:38

Reciprocal: Leviticus 6:20 - the offering Leviticus 7:14 - the priest's Numbers 15:21 - General Numbers 31:28 - one soul Numbers 31:29 - an heave Deuteronomy 12:12 - General 2 Chronicles 31:4 - the portion Hebrews 7:5 - to take

Verse 27

as though: Leviticus 6:19-23

the corn: Numbers 18:30, Numbers 15:20, Deuteronomy 15:14, 2 Kings 6:27, Hosea 9:1, Hosea 9:2

Reciprocal: Leviticus 7:18 - be imputed Ezekiel 44:30 - all the firstfruits

Verse 28

and ye shall: Genesis 14:18, Hebrews 6:20, Hebrews 7:1-10

Reciprocal: Numbers 18:30 - the best

Verse 29

best: Heb. fat, Numbers 18:12

Reciprocal: Genesis 45:18 - the fat Exodus 29:28 - is an heave

Verse 30

the best: Numbers 18:28, Genesis 43:11, Deuteronomy 6:5, Proverbs 3:9, Proverbs 3:10, Malachi 1:8, Matthew 6:33, Matthew 10:37-39, Philippians 3:8, Philippians 3:9

then it shall: Numbers 18:27

Reciprocal: Nehemiah 10:39 - the children

Verse 31

in every: Deuteronomy 14:22, Deuteronomy 14:23

your reward: Matthew 10:10, Luke 10:7, 1 Corinthians 9:10-14, 2 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 6:6, 1 Timothy 5:17, 1 Timothy 5:18

Verse 32

bear: Numbers 18:22, Leviticus 19:8

pollute: Leviticus 22:2, Leviticus 22:15, Malachi 1:7, 1 Corinthians 11:27, 1 Corinthians 11:29

Reciprocal: Leviticus 22:9 - bear sin for it Ezra 2:63 - should not